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Haylou S40 vs Sennheiser HD 400: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 400 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 400 - Great overall at around $77.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Haylou S40
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery9.0
Value8.0
Sennheiser HD 400
Sound8.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Haylou S40 vs Sennheiser HD 400
SpecHaylou S40Sennheiser HD 400
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$55$77
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good82 / 100 · Great
Released2025-
Audio
DriverTitanium DriversSennheiser dynamic drivers
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20-40000 Hz18Hz-20kHz
Impedance32 Ω120 Ω
Sensitivity97 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetooth6-
Bluetooth version6.0-
CodecsLDAC, LDHC, AAC-
Multipoint pairingYesNo
Wireless range20 m-
Battery
Battery life90 h-
Battery life (ANC on)50 h-
Battery incl. case90 h-
Full charge time150 min-
Quick chargenot found-
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingYesNo
ANC typehybrid-
Transparency modeYes-
Companion appYes-
Custom EQYes-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsbuttonsbuttons
Design
Weight280 g240 g
Water resistanceNonenone
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-1

What reviewers said

Haylou S40

The Haylou S40 is a budget-friendly over-ear wireless headphone that packs impressive features like hybrid ANC, multipoint Bluetooth 6, and support for high-quality LDAC and LDHC codecs. Its standout 90-hour battery life, dual 40mm titanium drivers, and warm, smooth sound make it a compelling pick for everyday listening and commuting. While the build is lightweight and comfortable, the lack of water resistance and reliance on physical buttons may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Exceptional 90-hour battery life
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC and transparency mode
  • Pro:Supports LDAC and LDHC for high-res audio
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Controls are button-based, no touch
  • Con:Sensitivity is modest at 97 dB/mW

Sennheiser HD 400

These over-ear Sennheiser headphones are built around a neutral, open-back design aimed at studio work, delivering a wide soundstage and detailed, transparent audio for critical listening. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a high-impedance driver setup that helps maintain low distortion, though they lack isolation and come without a carry case. Wired connectivity via USB-C and detachable cables adds versatility, but the open-back nature means sound leaks both ways.

  • Pro:Accurate, transparent sound with wide soundstage
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Detachable cables and USB-C connectivity
  • Con:No included carry case or spare ear pads
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
  • Con:High impedance may require a dedicated amplifier for best results

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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